By Twink Jones Gadama
As Malawians ushered in the year 2025, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s New Year’s message was met with a mix of optimism and skepticism. While the President’s speech highlighted the country’s progress in various sectors, it also raised several questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.
One of the notable aspects of President Chakwera’s message was his emphasis on infrastructure development. He proudly mentioned the construction of new roads and bridges across the country, as well as the arrival of a train in the capital city from outside Malawi for the first time in two decades. These achievements are indeed commendable, but it is crucial to examine the context and implications of these developments.
For instance, while the construction of new roads and bridges may improve the country’s transportation infrastructure, it is essential to consider the economic and social costs of these projects. Who benefits from these developments, and how do they impact local communities? Moreover, how do these projects align with the government’s overall vision for sustainable development and poverty reduction?
Another area of concern is the government’s response to food insecurity and drought. President Chakwera mentioned that the government had mobilized over 300 billion kwacha in off-budget support to procure emergency food for 5.7 million Malawians affected by drought conditions. While this effort is laudable, it raises questions about the government’s long-term strategy for addressing food insecurity and climate change.
Malawi is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and droughts are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Instead of relying on emergency food aid, the government should focus on implementing sustainable agriculture practices, supporting climate-resilient agriculture, and promoting rural development.
Furthermore, President Chakwera’s message was notable for its silence on several critical issues facing the nation. For example, there was no mention of the government’s plans to address the rising cost of living, improve access to healthcare and education, or tackle corruption and governance issues.
In an interview with Aljazeera, President Chakwera acknowledged that the country was facing significant challenges, including inflation, food insecurity, and economic instability.
However, his New Year’s message did not provide a clear roadmap for addressing these challenges or offer any concrete solutions.
while President Chakwera’s New Year’s message was a call to action, urging Malawians to remain hopeful and optimistic, it fell short of providing a clear vision for the country’s future. The government must do more to address the nation’s pressing challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, and economic instability.
As Malawians embark on a new journey in 2025, they deserve a government that is committed to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. It is time for the government to move beyond rhetoric and deliver concrete results that improve the lives of all Malawians.
